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10 days in Costa Rica feb 1st...what to do?

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10 days in Costa Rica feb 1st...what to do?

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Old Dec 16th, 2011, 09:50 AM
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10 days in Costa Rica feb 1st...what to do?

Hi! My husband & i will be returning to CR for a 10 day vacation feb 1st. This is our 2nd trip to CR. Last time we stayed all inclusive at Sol Popagayo all inclusive...this time we wanted to have a different experience. We will be staying at best western paradise spa san jose & we rented a car for our stay. We are a mid 30's couple & we love nature, snorkeling, fishing. Not looking to spend tons of cash on over priced tours what are the best things to see & do? We did see arenial & gunacaste area last time & loved it! Anything closer to san jose area? We would love to see as much wildlife as possible! Staying a night or 2 in a different location may be an option too for a good price. Im sure fishing trips are expensive, but we would enjoy one if we can get a deal...or if it is good fishing season? Any beaches for good snorkeling? We are soo excited about seeing Costa Rica again! Any help is greatly appreciated! Thank you
jeralea is offline  
Old Dec 16th, 2011, 12:15 PM
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manuelantoniopark.com great for wildlife
tripadvisor.com/members/natureguide best guide
waterfallgardens.com dokaestate.com Poas all
pretty close to SJO driveable... Have fun!
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Old Dec 19th, 2011, 09:39 AM
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Why don´t you try a rafting tour in Pacuare? This is a one day trip, most tour operators will pick you up at San Jose, and will take you to Turrialba which is only one hour and half from SJ.
You can also choose to stay at Turrialba and enjoy a few adventure tours while there. Accommodation options in and near Turrialba are affordable and charming.
The views through Pacuare River are stunning, is truly a great experience!
Check on explornatura.com or riostropicales.com.

Another good option for you is San Gerardo de Dota which is also close to San Jose, and gives you a lot of nature.

To see wildlife, one of the most popular destinations is Manuel Antonio, but this is a little far away from SJ.

Hope this helps!
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Old Dec 19th, 2011, 07:45 PM
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We really enjoyed Monteverde even though we only stayed two nights...wished it was longer. It's not close to San Jose, but we'd never been to a cloud forest and it is different than other places in CR. We did the zipline & hanging bridges with Selvatura, went on a night hike and then a morning hike in Santa Elena where we got to see an elusive quetzal!
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Old Dec 20th, 2011, 01:29 AM
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Close to San Jose (2-3 hours) and teeming with wildlife is Sarapiqui area. There you should visit La Selva NP where OTS has its headquarter. Tirimbina NP is also very interesting, specially the Chocolate Tour. You can take a boat ride on Rio Sarapiqui, similar to one on Cano Negro from Arenal. Main town is Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Several lodges like Selva Verde and several hotels in that area. Not many tourists and prices are lower then in Arenal area.
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Old Dec 20th, 2011, 05:15 AM
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Sarapiqui and Pacuare are both excellent suggestions. Most importantly, if you love nature, get the heck out of San Jose.
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Old Dec 22nd, 2011, 10:52 AM
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May not be exactly what you are looking for but I'm currently at an Eco Village called Pachamama in CR (http://ow.ly/7MOYG) and it's been an amazing experience!
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Old Dec 28th, 2011, 06:19 AM
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If you love nature, snorkeling and fishing, then 10 days in San Jose is the wrong place to stay. You will be tired of fighting traffic doing day tours every day.

You might think about a 2 night package to Tortuguero with Fran and Modesto Watson www.tortuguerocanals.com You'll see plenty of wildlife there on the boat tours; fishing also available.

Sarapiqui region is also a great suggestion, love it there.

CR is not known for good snorkeling but I've heard it is best in Cahuita area.
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Old Dec 28th, 2011, 01:28 PM
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Peter is a troll.
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Old Jan 8th, 2012, 04:34 PM
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thank you all for your replies .. im sure we will find them very useful.. thanks again
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